Trump calls the NFL’s new kickoff rule “ridiculous and sissy”
The US president believes the change in the kickoff in American football is "bad for the United States."
On Monday evening, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to slam the NFL’s newly implemented kickoff rule, calling it “ridiculous” and claiming it’s turning football into a “sissy” sport.
“The NFL needs to scrap that ridiculous new kickoff rule,” Trump wrote. “How can they make such a big and sweeping change so quickly and easily? It’s at least as dangerous as the normal kickoff—and it looks like hell.”
He continued, criticizing the lack of player movement during the play:
“The ball is moving, but the players are not. That’s the exact opposite of what football is all about. ”Sissy" football is bad for America and bad for the NFL! Who comes up with these ridiculous ideas?”
What is the NFL new kickoff rule about?
The NFL’s revamped kickoff format, introduced this season, is designed to reduce high-speed collisions and lower the risk of injuries. Under the new setup:
- Players from both teams are positioned closer together—just five yards apart—before the kick.
- This limits the momentum players can build before impact, addressing concerns over concussions and other serious injuries.
- In certain scenarios, the ball isn’t returned at all, further minimizing contact.
Previously, the traditional kickoff allowed players to sprint from opposite ends of the field, often resulting in violent collisions. The league says the change prioritizes player safety without sacrificing the excitement of the game.
Kickoffs have long been one of the most dangerous plays in football. The NFL has been under pressure to make the game safer, especially as research continues to link repeated head trauma to long-term health issues like CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). But critics—including Trump—argue that such changes dilute the sport’s physicality and tradition.
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